The symbolism of the setting for the Taoiseach’s speech in Dublin Castle on Saturday bore down from above with a heavy weight.

Beneath a ceiling panel depicting the introduction of Christianity into Ireland, showing St Patrick directing the lighting of a paschal fire on the Hill of Slane, Leo Varadkar aimed to rekindle the relationship between the Catholic Church and the State in Ireland as a “more mature” relationship, “a new covenant for the 21st century”.